120 New Indigenous health workers across Queensland

Up to 120 Indigenous Australians across Queensland are set to receive training and jobs in the health services industry thanks to the Gillard Government.

Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development Mark Arbib and Member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore said the ‘Increasing Indigenous Health Service Workers in Queensland project’ would train job seekers for long-term careers.

“Participants can complete qualifications including a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health, a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs Work or a Certificate IV in Mental Health,” Senator Arbib said.

“The participants will receive specialised knowledge and skills in mental health, community care, drug, alcohol and diversionary therapy.

“The program will increase a participant’s chance to get a job in the health sector and open up a career path to senior levels in the Queensland public sector.”

Ms Livermore said the project was a result of $678 000 from the Gillard Government through the Indigenous Employment Program, with the support of Juwarki Kapy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Corporation and Sunshine Coast TAFE.

“This course was created to address the shortage of qualified Indigenous health workers in the industry,” Ms Livermore said.

“By the end of their 18 months on the project, participants will have the necessary qualifications for a career path into the health sector.

“The courses will be held on the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns and support will be provided to the participants by a range of trainers, tutors and mentors.”

Senator Arbib said Federal Treasury has estimated that 500 000 jobs would be created over the next two years and it was critical that Indigenous Australians had the support and training they needed to take up employment opportunities.

“Indigenous employment is not a short-term issue. Over the next four years the Australian Government has committed almost $650 million to the Indigenous Employment Program and $50 million to the Indigenous Youth Careers Pathway Program,” Senator Arbib said.

“This is part of the Australian Government’s goal to help Indigenous students find a job or move into further study and create more than 100 000 jobs for Indigenous Australians by 2018.”